Even with health care costs spiraling, UC has kept employee health care costs as flat as possible — at an additional cost to the University of $95 million. For the lowest-paid workers, UC covers roughly 96% of the premium costs. On average, UC covers about 88% of the costs associated with health care premiums compared to an average employer subsidy of 80% in California and 76% for CalPERS.

The employee's share of monthly medical plan premiums will increase anywhere from less than $1 to more than $200, depending on the plan, your salary band, and whether you choose coverage for yourself only or you and your family members. (Comparison table of employee premiums — PDF) Employee dental and vision plan premiums will continue to be fully paid by UC in 2010.

Open Enrollment information, as well as the link to the employee log-in page for making changes to benefits, is available on the web. While online, employees can review current plan enrollments; read about plan benefits, services, and changes; view medical-plan rates for 2010; use helpful planning tools; and take Open Enrollment action. All changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2010.

When making changes, employees should review their choices and save the confirmation statement to confirm that requested changes are accurately reflected on the Jan. 1, 2010 pay statement. It is the employee's responsibility to report any mistakes in a timely manner.